Built from two of Starboard’s most proven and best-selling inflatable SUP shapes, the Touring and the Airline All Star represent two different directions on the water.
In this detailed comparison, SUPBoarder explores the Starboard Airline All Star and Touring Deluxe 14’0” x 28”, highlighting the key differences in speed, stability, and real-world performance. If you are choosing between a touring inflatable SUP and a race-inspired inflatable SUP, this comparison will help you decide.
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Starboard Touring Deluxe 14’0” x 28”
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Starboard Airline All Star 14’0” x 28”
They have the same size, but they are built for different paddling styles.
So, which inflatable paddleboard is best for you?
Watch full video comparison
Same Size, Very Different Feel
At 14’0” x 28”, both boards share the same dimensions, but they are designed with different intentions. On the water, this difference is immediate.
The Starboard Touring Inflatable Deluxe is shaped for distance, efficiency, and carrying gear with ease. It keeps you moving forward with minimal effort. The Starboard Airline All Star is tuned for performance, delivering more speed, responsiveness, and a more dynamic ride across all conditions.
This shows how shape, rocker, and features define performance far beyond size alone.
Packing, Transport & Setup
The difference begins before you even reach the water. The Starboard Touring Deluxe is built for convenience, with a smaller packed size, lighter weight, and a foldable fin box that allows it to roll tighter and store easily. It is a natural choice for travel and everyday use.
Starboard Airline All Star is built for performance. The integrated Airline cable system and EVA side trays increase stiffness and control, but also result in a larger pack size and slightly more weight. What you gain is a more precise and powerful ride.
On the Water Performance
On flat water, both boards offer smooth glide, solid tracking, and efficient speed. For most paddlers, the difference is minimal, although the Airline All Star shows a slight advantage when paddling at higher intensity.
As conditions become more challenging, the Airline All Star stands out. Its added rocker helps it ride over chop with more control and stability, while the Touring Inflatable, with a flatter rocker, moves efficiently through the water but feels less forgiving in rougher conditions.
Stability & Control
The Airline All Star is designed to give you more confidence on the water. The EVA side trays create a wider standing area, improving stability and making it easier to move, step back, and control the board.
The Touring Inflatable remains stable and comfortable, especially in flat conditions. In more technical water, it requires a bit more balance and a more centered stance.
Tracking vs Maneuverability
The Touring Inflatable focuses on straight-line efficiency. Its fin position helps the board track cleanly, reducing the need to switch paddle sides and making it ideal for long-distance paddling.
The Airline All Star is more responsive and easier to turn. It reacts quickly, allowing for faster direction changes and more dynamic movement on the board.
Carrying Gear & Practical Use
The Touring Inflatable is built for adventure. With front and rear bungee storage and multiple handles, it is ready to carry gear for longer paddles and trips.
The Starboard Airline All Star keeps a clean, performance-focused setup. It is designed to stay light and fast, with less emphasis on carrying extra load.
Stiffness & Construction
Both boards are built with premium materials and deliver excellent stiffness. The Touring Inflatable offers strong and reliable performance across a wide range of conditions.
The Starboard Airline All Star takes this further with its adjustable cable system, allowing you to fine-tune stiffness and enhance overall responsiveness.
Weight & Price
The Touring Inflatable Deluxe is lighter, more compact, and more accessible, making it a strong option for a wide range of paddlers.
The Airline All Star includes additional performance features, resulting in a slightly higher weight and price, but also delivering a more advanced riding experience.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the Touring Inflatable Deluxe if your focus is distance, efficiency, and carrying gear. It is practical, easy to use, and designed to take you further.
Choose the Airline All Star if you are looking for performance, speed, and control in all conditions. It offers a more dynamic and responsive ride.
The Bottom Line
Same size, two different directions.
The Touring Inflatable Deluxe is built for adventure and distance. The Airline All Star is built for speed and performance. Both deliver the quality and innovation that define Starboard.
